Henrikh Mkhitaryan has made his mind up over his Arsenal stay, as according to his latest interview – the Armenian has admitted his preference over Roma stay for another few years, although would be ready to play if Mikel Arteta calls him back at the Emirates.
Mkhitaryan hasn’t lived up to his potential eversince his move to England from Germany, be it for Manchester United or Arsenal. And with already a successful first year in Italian capital, Micki is ready to drop curtains to his underwhelming time in Premier League.
Micki joined the Italian capital on a season long loan back in September and there were reports in May that Mkhitaryan has told his agent, Mino Raiola, ‘My time in London is over, I hope you manage to find an agreement with Roma because my desire is to remain.’ (via. Daily Mail)
Despite his time in Rome being hampered by a string of niggling injuries, Mkhitaryan has still been able to impress Roma boss Paulo Fonseca contributing six goals and three assists in 17 appearances for the Giallorossi’s.
Paulo Fonseca publicly admitted his willingness to retain the Armenian’s services beyond summer, speaking with Sky Sports back in February: “He is a player who makes great decisions on the pitch and I would also like to keep Mkhi in our team.”
However, despite his failure to impress many in his time in England, Mikel Arteta admitted that a return to North London might be on the cards, insisting that Mkhitaryan “is the kind of player who can fit in any team when he is at his best”.
The Armenian claims he would not complain if he is forced to remain in North London although concedes his willingness over a move to Roma if the clubs could find a common ground over the summer.
“Of course I would like to be at Roma next season, not only next season [but] for another few years,” Mkhitaryan speaking on the Futbol with Grant Wahl podcast.
“But I still have a contract with Arsenal and it’s not up to me. It’s up to Arsenal and Roma if they will agree on terms of the transfer fee.
“So my thinking is to train hard, to play hard, to look forward to what’s going to happen.
“Of course, if I’m not going to stay at Roma I have to go back to Arsenal. I’m not complaining, football life changes so quickly so you have to be ready to play wherever you are. If not in Rome, I’m going to go back and play for Arsenal, if not, I’m going to stay here and play for Rome.”
